For decades, trusts have been the ‘go to’ option for offshore wealth structuring — offering legal certainty, flexibility, and familiarity in jurisdictions like Jersey and Guernsey. But as private clients grow more globally minded, financially sophisticated, and values-driven, traditional trust solutions are no longer a one-size-fits-all answer.
At HIGHVERN, we’re seeing a notable shift. Many clients — particularly next-gen wealth holders, business owners, and entrepreneurs — are exploring alternative structures that offer greater control, more bespoke governance, and a closer alignment with their long-term objectives.
Whether it’s:
• Foundations, for a more corporate-style governance framework,
• Private investment companies, for direct oversight of family assets,
• Private trust companies, where clients retain strategic influence,
• Or even purpose trusts and private family funds,
…each structure offers unique advantages in today’s evolving regulatory and social environment.
These alternatives are not about replacing the trust — rather, they’re about expanding the toolkit. In many cases, hybrid or tiered structures are emerging that draw on the best of both traditional and modern models, carefully tailored to fit complex, multi-generational needs.
With transparency, tax compliance, and succession planning all under growing scrutiny, structuring today is as much about values and governance as it is about tax and asset protection.
As fiduciaries, we have a crucial role to play —helping families build robust, future-fit solutions that will stand the test of time.
Look out for the full feature in the upcoming edition of the TL4 magazine soon — but in the meantime, this is a conversation that’s only gaining pace.
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